What do we look for in a friend? A good person. A person who is kind and caring. A person who loves to make you laugh and have fun with you. What does it take to be a good friend? You must always be there to listen when they need it. This blog post discusses […]

Buddhists believe that there are cycles of death and rebirth throughout one’s lifetime. This post will explore some of the beliefs and theories related to rebirth or reincarnation within Buddhism. In Buddhism, the soul is believed to be trapped in an endless cycle of death and birth until it’s able to cleanse itself. In this […]

For the Buddhist, Buddha is not a god but an enlightened human being who showed the way to transcend suffering and pursue enlightenment. A “buddha” means “enlightened one,” and is someone who has found liberation from suffering (dukkha). Someone who accomplishes this task is given the title of Buddha which literally means “the awakened one.” […]

The chivara is much more than just an article of clothing to a Buddhist monk or nun. It is a symbol of the unity of the sangha, or monastic community. The chivara is a feature of all Buddhist traditions, although the style and length of the garment may differ. If you would want to know […]

Buddha statues are a symbol of peace and serenity. They have been around for centuries, but I believe they still hold the same importance today as they did when they were first created. In this blog post we will explore some of the most famous Buddha statues in the world today. Buddhism is a belief […]

The phrase “Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!” derives from Sanskrit and is therefore common across many cultures in India. In addition, Buddhism interprets this phrase in a very special way.  In Sanskrit, sadhu describes a holy person or entity. This is used after someone has completed some task with excellence or fulfillment- often religious related. Wondering what […]

Qi/chi, pronounced “chee” in Chinese, refers to the energy that flows through the body and mind to promote health, sustainability, and happiness. The concept of chi is not exclusive to Buddhist heritage, as it also originated in Taoism or Hindu practices. In Buddhism this energy comes from nature itself and those skilled at cultivating their […]

The difference between these two concepts can be difficult to understand for those not well versed in Buddhist thought but with this blog post you will gain some insight into the meaning of each term. In this article, I will compare nirvana and moksha (a.k.a. moksh) and highlight their differences as well as similarities. Nirvana […]

Tea is a drink that has been around for centuries and it’s one of the most commonly consumed beverages in the world. The earliest records of tea drinking date back to China about 5000 years ago.  In this blog post, we will look at the different types of teas that are available to Buddhists as […]

A question that is often asked by westerners who are interested in Buddhism, is how to address a Buddhist monk. It is important to know how to address them if you want to be polite and respectful. With this post, you will learn how to address a Buddhist monk in the correct manner. If you […]

There are many different titles that have been assigned to Buddhism priests. Some of the most common terms are bhikkhu, monk and lama. There is a lot of confusion as to what the difference between these titles really mean in relation to Buddhist practice. This article will explore some common titles for female religious leaders […]

The Buddhist scriptures are full of wisdom and insight. If you wish to use them in your own work, ensure they are correctly cited so credit is given where credit is due. Buddhist scripture citations can be a little confusing sometimes. This blog post will provide a brief overview of the most common citation styles […]

What day do Buddhist go to temple? How does a Buddhist follower schedule their time? When praying, do they follow a specific routine? In the following blog post, you’ll find the answers to all the questions listed above. As part of the Buddhist tradition, you are encouraged to treat Buddha’s teachings as a daily guide […]

Is Buddhism a vegetarian religion? While the answer is not cut and dry, there are some things to consider. This article will help you understand some of the reasons behind Buddhism’s vegetarianism and how it can benefit your life! Buddhism is seen as a way of life that promotes self-discipline, mindfulness and tolerance. It teaches […]

The act of worshiping is a common practice in many religions, including Buddhism. Worship of Buddha is a very important aspect in Buddhist culture. This article will discuss how often Buddhists worship and why. In order to better understand the frequency and significance of Buddhist worship, we need to first explore what it means for […]

Bringing a new child into the world is one of the most wonderful experiences a family can have. So, when a Buddhist family has a new baby, a festival is held within the family. The purpose of this blog post is to relate how Buddhist families celebrate the birth of a new baby. Buddhist celebrations […]

Is there anything more comforting than the feeling of cool, crisp air as you walk past a row of colorful prayer flags? Many of us have seen prayer flags flying in the wind, and while we may not know what they mean, it’s important to understand the symbolism behind these ancient symbols. Even if you […]

Buddhists nuns around the world wear and follow different rules about what they can wear, with many regions having their own unique set of practices. This blog post explains what Buddhist nuns wear in different parts of Asia. The article contains pictures and is relevant to anyone with an interest in the different types of […]

What is the best way to greet a Buddhist monk? What are some appropriate phrases? How should you act around one? These are all very common questions that people have about Buddhist monks. It’s easy to feel anxious and uncertain when you’re not sure what to do in this situation. Fortunately, we can help! In […]